Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

During HHS Nominee’s Tenure At Eli Lilly, Company Tripled Price Of A Top-Selling Insulin Drug

President Donald Trump touted Alex Azar as a "star" who could help combat high drug prices. But Azar's history as a top pharma executive has critics worried.

Politico:
Trump's HHS Secretary Nominee Boosted Drug Prices While At Eli Lilly
President Donald Trump tweeted Monday that his nominee for HHS secretary, Alex Azar will “be a star for … lower drug prices!” But the record of the former top executive for Eli Lilly, which tripled the price of a top-selling insulin drug while he led its U.S. operation, suggests a different story. Lilly is one of three drug companies targeted by a class-action lawsuit that accuses the company, then under Azar’s watch, of exploiting the drug pricing system to ensure higher profit for insulin and has been fined in Mexico for colluding on the pricing of the drug. (Karlin-Smith, 11/14)

Stat:
On Drug Importation, Trump And His Pick To Lead HHS Are On Opposing Sides
In his quest to bring down drug prices, President Trump has advocated for policy proposals that the pharmaceutical industry opposes, including importing drugs from Canada. But his new health secretary pick — who, if confirmed, would immediately have the authority to kick-start some importation — has firmly rejected the idea. (Mershon, 11/14)

This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.